So adorable!

[Meg McKilty]

Sorry, but somebody had to say it-

Most animals don't hold or shake paws normally, but sea otters do (as is shown in the clip).It's not really a display of personal affection.Since sea otters sleep at sea, floating around like in the video, holding hands like that keeps the group together in rough water so they don't drift apart in the night. Because of this, the otters feel more secure holding hands while asleep than drifting alone.

You're such a nay-sayer!

/Tenacious D.

[Jenn]

Absolutely PRECIOUS!!! I had to add it to my list on you tube, it's by far the cutest one I've seen!

[Zen]

I guess this isn't a good time to tell you about Santa Claus....

[Trek420]

Otters are one of the success stories.

Let's not forget that California Sea otters were brought back from near extinction.

Hunted for their fur by traders they were once almost gone.

Now they are back up and down our coast and Pacific Northwest.

If saying "awwww" and cooing about the video makes people more aware of habitat and such .... then it's all good no matter why they hold paws.

There's probably a socio scientific explanation for why humans cuddle too, and we don't want to stop doing that

Ever seen an otter crack open a muscle or oyster on their chest? Now that's cute. And the way they play is funny and fascinating too. Sea otters are one of the few animals I can think of who use tools.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I suppose one could also say that humans hold hands merely as a territorial display to discourage unwanted additional suitors.

[Bikingmomof3]

Cute clip, thank you for sharing.